Have you checked out the Seminar Schedule at AGTA? #TucsonGemShow

Our very own Helen Serras - Herman, FGA has an interesting one coming up at 1pm today...

Natural vs. Enhanced Lapidary Materials

TUCSON CONVENTION CENTER: GRAHAM ROOM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Helen Serras-Herman, FGA, www.gemartcenter.com

Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced

There is an endless inventory of lapidary gem materials on the market today created or enhanced to look like some other natural material, usually one that is rare and expensive. Most are natural materials that have been dyed or compressed to simulate a better quality material, or another natural material, while others are partly natural stone and partly other materials, such as resins, metals, etc. All these simulants provide an inexpensive alternative to natural gems, and many of them are beautiful, with bold patterns, and durable to be used into jewelry. The only problem surrounding these stones is the lack of disclosure, as the cabochon and bead market almost slides quietly under the disclosure radar.